Crossing legs is dangerous habit

Crossing legs is dangerous habit

Crossing the legs seems harmless but excessively crossing your legs can lead to numerous health problems. It is recommended that not crossing legs for long periods as one of the first steps in preventing varicose veins, or slowing down their progression, as well as decreasing pain and other symptoms. Stopping yourself from crossing your legs might sound simple, but most people do it without ever thinking about it. It makes for an extremely difficult habit to break. 

Crossing your legs can cause the following health problems:

• Blood flow: Frequently crossing your legs can cause poor leg circulation.  This may lead to leg cramps, numbness, cold, pain, and fatigue. Additionally, any part of the body that suffers from poor circulation can throw off the entire circulatory balance of your entire body.  
• Posture: When you cross your legs frequently, it puts unnatural pressure on your hips, spine, and back which can have a negative effect on your posture.
• Heart: Crossing your legs puts pressure on the veins underneath your knees. This restricts blood flow and can cause an unnecessary burden on the heart.
• Varicose Veins: Crossing your legs is known to be one of the factors in producing varicose veins.  These veins aren't only visually unappealing, but they could cause numerous health problems including leg pain, burning, throbbing, tingling and an increase in fatigue.

Proper way to sit in a chair:

• Sit with your feet flat on the ground. If you're short, put a box or stool under your feet to lift them.
• Keep your knees lower than your hips. If you're tall, sit on a wedge or seat cushion to raise your body.
• Your arms should be supported by arm rests without forcing your shoulders up toward your ears.
• Keep your shoulder blades back and down, elevate your chest, and draw in your tummy.